Congressional Policy Fellowship

Applicants must:

• Be a member of ASGCT and plan to remain a member in good standing for the duration of the fellowship. Not an ASGCT member yet? Take the first step. Submit your membership application at least five business days prior to the application deadline to allow sufficient time for processing.

• Have a PhD or equivalent doctoral-level degree from an accredited institution at the time of application. The doctoral degree should be in one of the fields relevant to ASGCT’s mission such biological or biomedical sciences, health sciences, biochemistry, pharmacology, genetics and genomics, or related specializations.

• Be a U.S. citizen.

• Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, which is necessary to participate in required in-person meetings on the Hill.

Federal employees are not eligible to apply.

The fellowship is a 12-month learning experience beginning on September 1 and ending on August 31 of the following year. Individuals accepting a fellowship must sign an agreement acknowledging this year-long commitment.

The program requires all fellows to relocate to the D.C. metro area for the duration of the fellowship year. ASGCT will provide a moving stipend to assist with relocation costs if fellows need to relocate from more than 50 miles away.

During the COVID-19 pandemic AAAS fellowships were held virtually; ASGCT fully expects that 2023 fellows will be based in Washington, D.C.

Applications will close January 15 each year. Finalists will be invited to interview with ASGCT in March and the selected fellow will be notified by mid-April.

The fellow has total control over which congressional office or committee they choose to work in. The fellow is responsible for securing a congressional placement with assistance from the AAAS. ASGCT will have no input in the placement selection.

Every fellow will attend a mandatory two-week orientation session organized by AAAS on the workings of the federal government that will provide exposure to some of the issues, institutions, and individuals involved in federal policymaking. That orientation will take place in early September of the fellowship year. Following orientation, AAAS will offer assistance to all fellows in securing congressional office or committee placements. In addition, AAAS hosts monthly seminars, newsletters, and networking events for fellows’ benefit. Fellows will also be added to the AAAS alumni listserv and website.

ASGCT staff will be available to our fellow for the duration of their fellowship to provide support through monthly check-ins, access to cell and gene therapy experts, and exposure to ASGCT’s scientific and policy programing.